Sleep mode in new Tesla Model S firmware should increase range

Electric car maker Tesla has released a firmware update for the Model S sedan that includes a sleep mode. It becomes active when the vehicle is switched off. According to Tesla, the economy mode provides a small gain in range.

The so-called Vehicle Sleep mode must be manually activated by the Model S owner after installing the firmware update. The sleep mode completely switches off all electronics, including the displays incorporated in the dashboard, when the driver leaves the electric car. The systems are re-enabled when the vehicle is started. Savings mode would according to Tesla will increase the range of a Model S by an average of eight miles, or approximately 12km.

Although the sleep mode saves money, the disadvantage is that the driver has to wait longer when starting his vehicle until all systems are ready for use. Only when all displays are active again can the Tesla Model S continue to be driven. The exact start-up delay is not yet known.

Tesla has also added an app launcher to its on-board computer in its new firmware update, which can be offered over-the-air by the automaker. Furthermore, the speech recognition would be improved and the firmware update promises more functionality for the entertainment system.